Elena Fernández Burguera

My name is Elena Fernández Burguera and I am a member of the Rheumatology Research Group (GIR) since 2010. I graduated in Chemical Engineering in 1999 and obtained my PhD in Material Science in 2004, both in the University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain. I performed part of my PhD at the the Paffenbarger Research Center of the American Dental Association (2004-2005, Gaithersburg, MD, USA) and was a postdoctoral scientist at the Materials Science and Engineering Department in Virginia Tech (2006-2007, Blacksburg, VA, USA) and the Materials-Biology Interactions Lab at EMPA (2007-2009, Sankt Gallen, CH), before returning to Spain. During this time, I have participated in several national and international projects related to calcium phosphate based biomaterials for bone regeneration, biomaterial surface modifications to induce osteogenesis and chondrogenesis, tissue engineering approaches for cartilage repair and the evaluation of novel natural biomaterials and molecules with chondrogenic or therapeutic potential.

My current research interests include the study of the implication of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) as an endogenous gasotransmitter, as well as its therapeutic potential when administered exogenously in rheumatic diseases. We use synthetic chemical compounds that release hydrogen sulfide and sulfurous thermal spring waters as pharmacological and non-pharmacological sources to deliver H₂S in cellular and in vivo models of osteoarthritis. Our research in this area received in 2016 a European Spas Association (ESPA) Innovation Award and the 8th International Award for Spa Research Marcial Campos. We are also dedicated to the development of therapeutic medical products based on standardized platelet rich plasma formulations with anti-inflammatory and pro-chondrogenic properties, as well as other natural biomaterials for cartilage tissue engineering. I am also regularly involved in science communication and outreach activities to bring science closer to the society and awaken scientific curiosity in the younger public.

Elena Fernández Burguera.